Who is Boulo and what should we know about you?
Boulo Solutions is a recruiting platform that helps businesses diversify their workforce by pairing them with candidates rarely found on other platforms. The Boulo platform connects the workforce to companies by offering a skills-first-based hiring approach with industry-leading speed and placement quality for members and employers. Employers we partner with offer a modern-day approach to work that promotes work-life balance.
I started Boulo after working at some incredible companies. One thing I struggled with in each of my roles was finding diverse quality candidates with the hard and soft skills that would get the job done. As a mom, I often saw other mothers who had their career sidelined for whatever reason– lack of childcare, limited flexible work options, etc. We all know someone who falls into that category. When they try to return to the workforce with a gap in their resume and a much smaller network, it’s tough. But those same candidates have real-life and professional skills that are very valuable. I created Boulo to connect employers seeking quality hires with women who need visibility to return to or stay in the workforce.
Are there new markets or demographics you are targeting?
Boulo works with employers and candidates from across the US. We are experiencing growth in the Nashville area and excited about the opportunity to provide our services to help companies reach untapped pools using a skills-based approach.
What is unique about your business that makes you stand out?
Boulo focuses on a skills-first talent pool with an emphasis on diversity. We place candidates from entry-level positions to c-suite roles in a variety of different industries, with expertise in sales, marketing, finance, and administration across the US. We have a very high retention rate (more than 94%) for the candidates we place. We help companies hire permanent roles, both full and part-time as well as 1099 and project.
Boulo offers a 360° profile that highlights skills instead of titles and timelines for candidates. This profile is designed for easy reading, highlighting both hard and soft skills, and streamlining the hiring process. By focusing on skills, we eliminate biases associated with job titles, ensuring a more accurate match between candidates and employers. With the 360° profile, comparing a person based on who they are, and their qualifications becomes effortless.
Unlike traditional job boards (like LinkedIn and Indeed) limited by algorithm biases, the Boulo platform breaks barriers to showcase non-traditional resumes and exceptional talent. With our skills-first hiring approach, innovative 360° profiles, and meticulously designed platform, we ensure employers find the best match for their roles every time.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and changes?
I make a concerted effort to stay informed about industry trends and changes through a variety of methods. Firstly, I regularly read industry-specific publications to stay abreast of the latest developments and make it a point to attend conferences, seminars, and workshops related to our industry whenever possible. These events provide valuable insights from industry experts and offer opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas with peers. I also actively participate in online forums, discussion groups, and professional social media networks where industry professionals share insights and discuss emerging trends. I maintain relationships with colleagues and mentors within the industry, engaging in regular conversations to gain perspectives and knowledge from their experiences. Lastly, Boulo actively hosts online events (follow us on LinkedIn to learn about our LinkedIn Lives we host) to keep our employer partners and candidates well-informed and equipped to adapt to any changes or advancements in the industry.
Can you share a significant lesson you have learned as a business leader?
One significant lesson I’ve learned is the importance of building a solid team. A cohesive and talented team is the backbone of any successful enterprise. Remarkable things happen when each team member is aligned with the company’s mission, values, and goals.
A solid team fosters a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation. When team members trust and support each other, they’re more likely to share ideas, challenge the status quo, and push boundaries. This collective effort leads to the generation of innovative solutions and strategies, driving rapid growth and success.
Moreover, a strong team is essential for hiring the right talent with the necessary skills. By focusing on building a diverse team with complementary skills and perspectives, we ensure that we have the expertise needed to tackle any challenge and capitalize on opportunities swiftly. This proactive approach to hiring for skills not only accelerates our growth but also enhances our ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics.